Good People Drink Good Beer

Now that's a motto that just sticks with you!

The other night I joined my friend Eric for a beer after a long day. He lives off Knox/Henderson and is a regular at the local neighborhood bar, Vickery Park. This is a great neighborhood bar and has become so popular- they have opened one in Frisco. The place is always packed with people- young, old, hippies, businessman- this place draws all crowds. And, there's a reason for this. The food is great, the beer is cold, and the people watching- unbeatable- especially on a weekend. Plus, they have the words to live by:

"Good People Drink Good Beer". DUH!

BYOB's really aren't made for a 6 pack

Well, I guess I knew the time would come when beer wasn't the only thing I would write about. I love cold beer, but I must admit it doesn't work for every occasion. (although I can't think of many where its not a perfect fit). However, when I am grabbing dinner with a friend at a local Italian restaurant, and its BYOB, a 6 pack of beer just doesn't seem appropriate.

Note: I have gone to this restaurant with beer before- when it was a group, a Saturday night, and we had a stroller to carry it in. Don't ask about the stroller- however, you can store a lot in that thing! :)

So, I choose to take wine tonight for my dinner. My favorite wine. John and I vacation quite a bit and always try to find a place to do a wine tasting- I mean, why not? So, a few years ago when we were in Virginia we did a wine tour at the Jefferson Vineyard and found one of our favorites- a nice Cabernet Franc by the name of Jefferson. Totally delish. Great with steak, fish, or no food at all. And, the price is right- only about $17.00 per bottle. I guess Virginia isn't just another pretty state- it has great wine too!

A Family Tradition

Desperado's Mexican Restaurant has been a part of my family's life since it opened 35 years ago! Actually, when my mom attended SMU, she waited tables and her manager was Jorge Levy- the owner of this amazing restaurant. The menu is full of fabulous things- the salsa is always fresh and spicy, the cerviche is one of the best I have EVER had, and the Desperado Tacos are the signature dish- serving them not only at the restaurant- but at the fair and Cowboy games as well.
So, when John and I decided to venture over for some shopping at North Park- we had to include lunch at one of our favorite Dallas establishments. And it didn't disappoint- well, maybe a little. Since this Beer Blog is sooo important to me- I, of course, had to check out the temperature of the beer.



And, I must say, not very cold. Bummer! Maybe that's why they sell so many margaritas! Oh well, it was well worth the trip for the tacos themselves and always good for a fond memory.

Win, Win, Win

Last night, we had our dear friend Whitney over for a dinner, drinks, and the Mavs WIN in Forth Worth. La Familia is one of our favorite Mexican places where the salsa is fresh and homemade (think almost pico) and every entree comes with a choice of soup (bean or chicken) and a tamale (which was wonderful).We wanted to share this special place with Whitney because it is a true staple of Fort Worth. In the past 6 months (we DO LOVE it- but we try not to eat Mexican too often) they have had some amazing additions. They have never been known for their beer- well, folks, that has changed.
They have added a whole new wing that includes a brand new bar! This means that there is a place to store and keep beer cold. And let me tell you- what a pleasant surprise! Guess it won't be 6 months before we venture back there- great food and cold beer! Now that is a winning combination!

A hop, skip, and a jump

There is a place on Bluebonnet Circle that we have began to frequent more and more since its less than a mile from our house. The restaurant/bar was closed for almost a year and when it reopened- the neighborhood came running. Rock Bottom actually saved John and I during the snow storm this year. We had the worst cabin fever and couldn't drive- so we walked to this bar- it was the perfect escape! The other night we went there with our friend Brian to watch the Mavs win and all the neighborhood was there. Almost like the Cheers Bar of Westcliff. We made friends left and right that all live blocks from us. (look for a BBQ beer blog in a few weeks). The food is pretty good, the people are friendly, the beer is cold, and they have TVs on the patio. No wonder they know us by name.

"Eat Me"

I love Fuzzy's Tacos!!! They are the best and tonight I had the pleasure of eating dinner there with John. I was so excited to blog about their draft beer- its always SUPER cold. However, on this evening- of all evening- camera with me and everything- the cooler where the kegs are stored- broken down! What are the chances!?!? So, I went with Plan B- a bottle. And guess what, just as cold. Fuzzy's- you're OK in my book. Thanks for another great meal!

"Beer- Because one doesn't solve the world's problems over white wine"
-Anonymous